Employment Type: Permanent Full Time & Temporary Full Time up until July 2027 with the potential for ongoing employment.
Position Classification: Scientific Officer
Remuneration: $76,378.47 - $108,941.55 per annum + Superannuation
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ674064
Location: Forensic and Analytical Science Service Lidcombe
Applications Close: 12 July 2026 – 11:59pm
About the opportunity
The Forensic & Analytical Science Service is part of NSW Health Pathology and specialises in providing independent and objective forensic analysis to the criminal and coronial justice systems, as well as quality scientific analysis that contribute to community health and safety. Our services include Illicit Drug Analysis, Chemical Criminalistics, Forensic Biology/DNA, Forensic Medicine, Forensic and Drug Toxicology and Environmental Toxicology.
The Criminalistics Branch has an exciting opportunity for a passionate Forensic Chemist to join our team on a permanent or temporary basis, as a Scientific Officer in either the Chemical Criminalistics Unit or the Illicit Drugs Analysis Unit. You will be engaged in a dynamic team of scientific professionals to deliver highly specialised, analytical chemistry services.
The Chemical Criminalistics Unit provides specialised forensic analysis of trace evidence for the NSW Justice System and other government departments. The team examines forensic trace evidence samples and reports on casework findings, providing expert evidence on all elements of forensic chemical trace investigations. This includes ignitable liquid residues, gunshot residues, explosives, propellants, pyrotechnics, riot control agents, fibres, paints, glass, polymers, adhesives, cosmetics, and lubricants.
The Illicit Drug Analysis Unit supports the NSW Police Force, NSW Communities and Justice and NSW Health. The Unit offers comprehensive testing, reporting and expert testimony on all aspects of seized illicit drugs and illicit drug manufacture, including rapid analysis for time-sensitive covert operations, submissions and drug importations. It notifies NSW Health of potentially dangerous substances or dosages identified in seized drug material, protecting public health.
Note, if applicable an Eligibility List for both permanent and temporary positions, will be created based off this recruitment.
What we can offer you
Accrued Days Off in addition to Annual Leave OR 9 day fortnight in addition to Annual Leave.
Flexible working options
Corporate wellbeing programs, including the Fitness Passport.
Learning and development opportunities, including in-house training with RTO My Health Learning.
What you'll be doing
To deliver a range of operational and analytical laboratory activities to ensure compliance with operational standards and procedures, quality standards and continual process improvement. The Scientific Officer reports, reviews reports and may be required to give evidence in any court on aspects of work performed.
Interested in joining Australia’s largest public pathology service? Apply now by addressing the following questions:
- A Bachelor Degree or higher degree in Science or Applied Science with a major relevant to the Unit, or an equivalent qualification relevant to analytical or forensic chemistry to which the role applies
- Demonstrated experience or advanced knowledge in methods and associated technology in the specific field, in an accredited laboratory or relevant environment
- Knowledge of chemical and/or biological hazards and precautions that exist within a laboratory environment and associated responsibilities
- Ability to work in a responsible and efficient manner, and manage competing priorities while ensuring attention to detail, precision and maintaining accountability of work completed
- Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to educate internal and external stakeholders, report writing skills and willingness to provide expert evidence in courts
- Display initiative, problem solving and analytical skills including an ability to apply established principles and investigate and resolve general and complex issues within the laboratory environment
- Sound understanding of legislation, policies and requirements that impact the laboratory environment including work health and safety, privacy and quality improvement requirements
- Demonstrated capacity to adopt and model the NSWHP RITES values of Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, Excellence and Safety
IMPORTANT: Please ensure you attach evidence of your qualification, including the certificate and transcript to ensure progression in the recruitment.
Information for applicants
NSW Health Pathology is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. We value, and welcome all suitably qualified applicants regardless of age, background, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.
NSW Health Pathology is committed to providing accessibility and reasonable accommodations and ensuring our recruitment process is flexible, inclusive, and free from barriers, promoting equal opportunities for all to succeed. Please reach out if you need adjustments.
NSW Health Pathology is committed to growing the Aboriginal workforce in public health. For Aboriginal candidates, support is available through the Stepping Up website
You must have valid working rights in Australia for the duration of the appointment to be eligible to apply.
All workers must meet NSW Health’s vaccination and screening requirements before starting employment. See PD2026_004 for more detail. The preferred candidate may be required to undergo a functional assessment prior to appointment.
An eligibility list may be created for similar vacancies in the future.
We encourage applicants to submit responses that reflect their own experiences and perspectives. Please note that applications that appear to be generated by AI tools or copied from external sources may not be considered.
Need more information?
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3) For role related queries or questions contact Amber Saidi on [email protected]
To learn more about NSWHP please visit “Life at NSW Health Pathology” or connect with us on LinkedIn!
